How To Use A Gas Room Heater Safely
With winter peaking its head over the horizon, ensuring that our homes will be kept cosy and warm when the coming cool weather hits is essential. Although gas room heaters are an effective way of achieving this, many people are hesitant to use them due to the perceived risks. In this article, we have outlined how you can go about using these heaters safely over winter.
You should always…
- Have plenty of ventilation. Never seal up doorways, windows or vents because ventilation is essential for allowing fresh air into the room (and fumes to escape).
- Prevent young children and the elderly from touching very hot surfaces. Keep in mind that most heaters are only fitted with a normal guard that prevents accidental clothing contact.
- Be careful when drying clothes inside. Ensure that any flammable materials are kept at least one metre away from the heater, as this will help to prevent spontaneous combustion.
You should never…
- Use an unflued heater in enclosed spaces. This includes bathrooms, bedrooms and caravans. Toxic gases can cause serious health problems in these sorts of situations.
- Use or store solvents and aerosols nearby. Even if the heater has been turned off, the pilot light might still be on and this can still cause combustion. Always keep them clear.
- Dispose of rubbish in the flame. This could include tissues and cotton buds. They can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants – just throw rubbish in the bin.
- Use an outdoor appliance indoors. If the heater has been designed for outdoor use, it is essential that you don’t use it indoors. It has not been designed for enclosed spaces and can be hazardous.
What are the signs of a faulty heater?
A faulty gas room heater can cause all sorts of serious problems, particularly with our health. If you have health problems that seem to be worse or that only occur when the heating is one, they might be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning (which is a common occurrence in faulty appliances). Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Tiredness;
- Shortness of breath;
- Headaches;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea;
- Weakness;
- Confusion; and
- Chest pain.
High levels of carbon monoxide are very dangerous and may lead to passing out or even death in more extreme cases. If you suspect that you might have been poisoned, you should do the following: open windows and turns, turn the heater off, and go outside. You should also make an appointment with a doctor to determine whether this is the cause of your symptoms.
We hope that the information in this article has shown you exactly how to safely use a gas room heater over the coming months ( Source and Ref: A Guide To Caring For Gas Wall Heaters ). By performing all of the expected tasks and never even considering the dangerous ones, you can rest assured that your family will remain safe. We also hope that you are aware of when you should have your heater checked by a professional.